22/05/08 – Complaints about youths on the rise

ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour in Nythe has soared since a dispersal order banning youngsters from hanging round in groups ran out.

And temporary cameras could be set up to record how much nuisance gangs of youngsters are causing in the area.

The order, brought in last October in a bid to cut yobbish behaviour near the neighbourhood shops, expired at the end of last month.

Since then local councillors have been told of up to 10 incidents every weekend.

Describing the scale of anti-social behaviour in Nythe, Coun Phil Young (Con, Nythe) said: “It tends to be intimidating behaviour. It’s mainly groups of youths, sometimes groups of five or six, up to reports of a group of 40 youths.

“Quite often residents are being abused, shouted at and there has been one occasion when a lady was pushed by kids. Generally they don’t feel comfortable coming out of their homes.

“The order ran out in April and a lot of residents have said that during the time it was in place they felt there was less trouble.”

Police officers met with councillors to try and resolve the problems around the Tyneham Road and Broadmead Walk areas.

Among proposals to record the full extent of the problem, temporary CCTV cameras could be set up to capture incidents. Councillors are also urging Nythe residents to report any cases of anti-social behaviour so that a log of incidents can be drawn up.

“We had a very positive meeting with the police,” said Mr Young.

“We are going to get youth workers to go down and talk to the kids and find out why they are there.

“And the council will be working with residents to make sure anything that happens is reported.”

Chief Supt Paul Howlett said: “There are still concerns being expressed about anti-social behaviour to the council by residents. At the meeting we discussed local residents’ concerns about anti-social behaviour. We have agreed to work together to ensure a good quality of life for Nythe residents. But at the same time a balance is required between a proportionate response to any local problems without vilifying young people.

“As a result of the discussion we are better placed to meet the needs of local residents.

“We will look at ways of obtaining objective evidence of what is happening in Nythe, through talking to the young people and with local residents.”